THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, August 29, 1996 TAG: 9608250374
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: V21 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: College Forecast
SOURCE: BY STEVE CARLSON, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: 64 lines
Don't talk to Syracuse coach Paul Pasqualoni about Big East titles or national championships, because 1993 is still too fresh in his mind.
Even though he doesn't want to discuss those things, other people are. The Orangemen have a favorable conference schedule (both Virginia Tech and Miami come to the Carrier Dome), soft nonconference opponents, a marvelous quarterback and enough overall talent to be something special.
Similar things were said in 1993, but the Orangemen imploded, going 6-4-1.
``That was '93,'' preseason All-American cornerback Kevin Abrams said. ``We keep drilling the past. We have to look ahead.''
There's much to look forward to during quarterback Donovan McNabb's time with the Orangemen. It may be a brief stay before the NFL beckons: the sophomore is mentioned in some quarters as a potential Heisman Trophy candidate.
``He's a young guy learning the game of football,'' Pasqualoni said. ``Nobody ever learned the game of football in one year.''
McNabb could be scary if he learns much more. As a redshirt freshman, he ranked third nationally in passing efficiency, setting an NCAA freshman record rating of 162.3 in the process.
McNabb has a good arm and runs Syracuse's pro-option offense like a pro. And he's fast. Trying to tackle McNabb in the open field is like trying to tackle a bunny rabbit.
Syracuse will be the rabbit of the Big East track, but there are a couple of greyhounds in hot pursuit. Miami served its one-year bowl ban because of NCAA probation last year and, though still facing scholarship reductions, is free to be on TV and in the bowl picture.
Since winning the first of its four national titles in 1983, Miami has the best overall record in college football, percentage points better than Nebraska. The Hurricanes have a bundle of returning players with experience, but an offseason of legal problems already has taken a toll (All-Big East receiver Jammi German won't play this season) and more losses may come.
Virginia Tech is also considered a title contender, which it was not considered last year, when the Hokies won their final 10 games, including the Sugar Bowl over Texas, and finished ranked in the top 10 in both polls.
Being picked third this year does not sit well with some members of the defending Big East champions.
``It's like a disrespect factor,'' Tech linebacker Tony Morrison said. ``We lost a lot of seniors, but we have a lot of key people coming back. And Cornell Brown is the best defensive player in the nation. I think people are underestimating us.''
Tech coach Frank Beamer isn't offended. His goal for Tech's program is to consistently be a team that hovers around the top of the league standings. But he can see why the Orangemen and Hurricanes are given the edge.
``I think Syracuse and Miami belong there,'' Beamer said. ``From a scheduling standpoint, us having to go to both places certainly gives them an advantage, if it's not just that they've got more talent than we do.'' ILLUSTRATION: B\W file photo
Graphic Big East Poll
[For complete copy, see microfilm]
KEYWORDS: SPECIAL SECTION PREVIEW by CNB